Race 9 – GROUP 1 DUBAI WORLD CUP (2000m, Tapeta)
The world’s richest race has attracted an international field this year, with the Europeans supporting the race more than in the past.
In fact, the European gallopers between them have raced in 10 of the world’s biggest racing jurisdictions, so they add a new dimension to a race which has largely been dominated by the locals and the Americans.
Technically, Australia has its third runner ever in the Dubai World Cup this year after Danewin (10th, 1996) and Juggler (6th, 1997). This comes in the form of ANIMAL KINGDOM, with the majority share now controlled by John Messara’s Arrowfield Stud. Despite the fact he is trained by Maryland horseman Graham Motion and he continues to race in the colours of Team Valor, he is listed as an Australian for all intents and purposes. It is quite cruel, really.
Still, without the Australian connection, I’ve been warming to Animal Kingdom for days. A winner of the 2011 Kentucky Derby, his career since has been restricted by injury. He was to be aimed at this race last year, but didn’t make the race. He produced a slashing run in the Breeders’ Cup Mile, flying late to get second behind Wise Dan, before a last start second on turf.
For me, the Americans either need to have form on a Tapeta surface or to have good grass credentials, for the Tapeta is more like grass than dirt. All three Americans fit the criteria to some extent. I do think, though, Animal Kingdom is the classiest of the three and I expect his class to shine through.
The only concern for me is the pace of the race, with there looking to be very little speed. However, in races where there doesn’t look to be any pace, invariably something will set out to make this a true contest. Already, there has been talk that Planteur, Royal Delta, Treasure Beach and maybe even Red Cadeaux could be the bunny for the field to catch. Animal Kingdom, who has drawn wide, will need to go back and hope something can carve out some cracking sectionals.
If they do let the leaders have their own way in front, then PLANTEUR may be the one to capitalise. He ran third in this race last year, coming from last, and while I don’t think Listed form at Lingfield is the form you’d want to be bringing to this race, his experience on the track means he cannot be ruled out for mine. This year, he’ll be up on the pace, so expect him to be competitive at a good price.
Another one who might surprise a few at odds is TREASURE BEACH. An Irish Derby winner and Epsom Derby runner up in 2011, his form tapered off last season. Transferred from Aidan O’Brien to Mike de Kock, he produced a sneaky run first up when he found the line late. I tend to think he’ll settle a lot closer here from his good draw, and he has the stamina to fight on at the end. Expect a good showing.
Next best is Godolphin’s HUNTER’S LIGHT, who has many admirers after a good win in the Al Maktoum Challenge three weeks ago. With the scratching this afternoon of Monterosso, I’m expecting either AFRICAN STORY or CAPPONI press on to ensure a good pace for Hunter’s Light. His form is interlinked with a lot of other runners across the card, and he looks the logical selection. I fear, however, that this race is usually far from logical.
I rate CAPPONI as some sort of chance, although I think he isn’t the same horse we saw last year, while the lightly raced KASSIANO could be the blowout.
As always, it is a tough race.
12 – ANIMAL KINGDOM
7 – PLANTEUR
1 – TREASURE BEACH
4 – HUNTER’S LIGHT
Written by Andrew Hawkins – Get the latest Dubai World Cup updates by following him on twitter: @AndrewNJHawkins
